The council is looking at the cost of scrapping Horsham’s Shelley Fountain but insists ‘no decisions’ have been made on its future.

Horsham District Council is looking to redevelop the pedestrian area of the Bishopric to link the town centre with the new John Lewis and Waitrose stores, which are currently being built off Albion Way.

The Rising Universe water sculpture, known as the Shelley Fountain, has provoked fierce debate in Horsham with many calling for it to be either fixed, scrapped, or replaced.

A spokesperson for Horsham District Council said: “A decision has not yet been made with regards to the Rising Universe. This will be a matter for the new council after the elections in May.

“In the meantime, we are examining all options for its future, which includes obtaining costs for its removal, so that informed decisions can be taken at the appropriate time.

“At the moment, routine maintenance work is being carried out in the area to reduce overgrown landscaping, including removing some of the palm trees which are not indigenous to Horsham, and which are blocking views to the shops. Painting of the street furniture will begin later in the spring when the weather is warmer.”